This NFL Player Refused To Stand For The National Anthem. The Responses Will Amaze You

Struggling San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, made waves when he announced he would no longer stand for the national anthem out of protest to racism in America.

Liberal media figures rushed to his defense.

But what happened next shocked everyone.

Kaepernick, whose career has cratered in stunning fashion – going from starting quarter back in the Super Bowl, to bench player behind journeyman Blaine Gabbert – explained his protest in an interview.

NFL.com reports:

“San Francisco 49ersquarterback Colin Kaepernickhas willingly immersed himself into controversy by refusing to stand for the playing of the national anthem in protest of what he deems are wrongdoings against African Americans and minorities in the United States.

His latest refusal to stand for the anthem — he has done this in at least one other preseason game — came before the 49ers‘ preseason loss to Green Bay at Levi’s Stadium on Friday night.

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick told NFL Media in an exclusive interview after the game. “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”

Many Americans – who while agreeing that Kaepernick has a right to express himself as he sees fit – also believe disrespecting the national anthem and American flag is a disgraceful action.

They also believe a NFL player – who was adopted by white parents and is guaranteed a $60 million contract – makes an odd poster child for the supposedly “oppressed” of America.

The responses were quick.

Fox Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer reported that the malcontent quarterback would likely be released because his play on the field has deteriorated:

“Regardless of politics or not, he has a very, very big uphill battle to make this team,” Glazer said on FOX Sunday. “I’d be shocked if he’s on the 49ers by the time this season ends. It has nothing to do with political views whatsoever. He lost a ton of weight this offseason, had three surgeries, couldn’t work out, lost that double threat, that size-speed ratio. No political views, he just hasn’t been effective. He’s regressing as a player. I’d be shocked if he’s on this roster by the end of this year. He may not be on it in the next two weeks.”

Even the Obama administration – which is a hotbed of anti-police, pro-Black Lives Matter radicalism – condemned Kaepernick’s protest.

ABC News reports:

“Asked for President Obama’s reaction to Kaepernick’s actions, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest today signaled his personal disagreement, but indicated he hadn’t quizzed the president on the subject.

“What I can say is that I certainly don’t share the views that Mr. Kaepernick expressed after the game in explaining his reasoning for his actions,” Earnest, the White House’s top spokesman, said.

Earnest said he’s “confident” Obama, an avid sports fan, is aware of the episode, but that he hadn’t spoken to the president about it.

“We surely acknowledge and even defend his right to express those views,” he continued. “Even as objectionable as we find his perspective, he certainly is entitled to express them.”

Donald Trump also reacted harshly to the protest.

The Washington Post reports on the comments made by the GOP nominee during a radio interview:

“Maybe he should find a country that works better for him. Let him try. It won’t happen,” said the Republican presidential nominee, who spoke to conservative show host Dori Monson on KIRO radio in Seattle ahead of his Tuesday trip to the region for a fundraiser and rally.

Kaepernick’s former 49er coach Jim Harbaugh – who is the current head coach at the University of Michigan – weighed in and blasted his actions.

The Los Angeles Times reports:

Earlier Monday, Harbaugh was asked what he thought about Kaepernick’s protest. The ex-49ers coach said of his former player: “I acknowledge his right to do that, but I don’t respect the motivation or the action.”

He later clarified that he was only attacking Kaepernick’s protest.

I apologize for misspeaking my true sentiments. To clarify, I support Colin’s motivation. It’s his method of action that I take exception to

Offensive Lineman Alex Boone said he would have a major problem with Kaepernick insulting the American flag in such a manner.

The Times also reports:

“It’s hard for me, because my brother was a Marine, and he lost a lot of friends over there,” former 49er Alex Boone, now with the Vikings, toldUSA Today. “That flag obviously gives [Kaepernick] the right to do whatever he wants. I understand it. At the same time, you should have some … respect for people who served, especially people that lost their life to protect our freedom.

“We’re out here playing a game, making millions of dollars. People are losing their life, and you don’t have the common courtesy to do that. That just drove me nuts.”

Do you agree with Colin Kaepernick’s decision to protest the national anthem?